aiier2021 Dear Dr. Trigg and Members of the HPISD Board of Trustees, We are writing to you to express our concerns about the threat posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19 and to ask that HPISD implement safety protocols beyond those that have been in place this summer to address this rising threat. We are alarmed to see the rapid increases in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths throughout the US in recent weeks, We are seeing these Same conceming trends. in our community and in our practioas We are health professionals who are directly connected to HPISD, either as parents or through our patiants. We are aware that there has been minimal transmission during summer school, but expect that transmission will drastically increase after the school year begins unless additional measures are implemented, 4 MASKS: We request that HPISD establish the oxpoctation that all students and staff wear masks in all grades, as outlined in guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(GDG}1 and the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP).2 We understand that Governor Abbott's order prohibits HPISD from requiring masking, but ask that HPISD go beyond encouraging mask use and set the expectation that everyone will wear a mask, making masking the norm and the expected choice. Students and staff will be permitted to opt out, similar to STAAR testing. It is possible to do this without shaming folks who opt aut of masking. We are concerned about language we have heard from HPISD administrators that suggests equal support for the personal cl of those wearing and not wearing masks. HPISD should not remain neutral on this issue. It is an issue that directly impacts the safety of every student and staff member. The evidencs overwhelmingly supports masking as the most effective measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We are aware that there is a large, vocal group lobbying against mask use. Their actions pose a threat to the health and safety of our community. Please note that the study originally published in JAMA Pediatrios3 describing harmful impacts of mask use that has been cited frequently by opponents of masking has been retracted due to concerns over study methodology as well as conclusions drawn by the authors.4 Masks ara safe and remain the most effective tool we have to contain the spread of COVID-19. Please protect our students and staff! VENTILATION: We request that HPISD work to improve ventilation in ail facilities. Improved ventilation will reduce viral transmission and can be accomplished by installing the highest MERY rated filters and encouraging the use of portable filtration units: in slassrooms.5-7 We request that ESSER funds be allocated to support this effort : We request that HPISD promote the use of outdoor spaces and work to expand options for students to spend time outdoors, especially during lunch. Viral transmission is markedly reduced outdoors. We recognize th weather conditions in Texas pose some challenges, but ask that HPISD work wit individual campuses to adapt outdoor spaces to Increase their suitability for student use at lunchtime and during instructional time as appropriate. STUDENT CONTACTS: We request that HPISD reduce the number of contacts for each student fo the greatest degree possible. This can be accomplished by keeping ‘a group of students together throughout the day, increasing spacing between students at luneh, and reducing mixing between classes at lunch, specials, and on the playground. We recommend restricting volunteers. on campus to outdoor activities only.